Celine Dion Puts Career on Hold to Focus on Her Health, Caring for Sick Husband

Celine Dion — and her residency in Las Vegas — are going on an indefinite hiatus.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Dion’s rep says the Grammy winner has “been fighting an illness that has caused inflammation in her throat muscles, and has not been able to perform any of her scheduled shows.”

The main reason for the break, however, is to care for husband Rene Angelil, who has been battling cancer.

Dion “decided to postpone all of her show business activities indefinitely, in order to focus 100 percent of her attention on her husband Rene, their family, and associated health issues,” says the spokesperson.

The statement continues, “Since Rene’s surgery last December to remove a cancerous tumor, it’s been a very difficult and stressful time for the couple as they deal with the day-to-day challenges of fighting this disease while trying to juggle a very active show business schedule, and raise their three young children.”

Dion herself says, “I want to devote every ounce of my strength and energy to my husband’s healing, and to do so, it’s important for me to dedicate this time to him and to our children.”

The hiatus includes the canceling of all upcoming shows at Caesar’s Palace, as well as a scheduled tour of Asia.

“I also want to apologize to all my fans everywhere, for inconveniencing them,” says Dion, “and I thank them so much for their love and support.”